vj KH 



.2-3 R'^B-5 , 

RESCUED BY FIREMEN 



O R 



RECLAIMED AT LAST ! 



' WITH ACCOMPANYING TABLEAUX. 

Written and arranged from incidents and scenCvS in 
real life, and resj^ectfutly dedicated tp the 

FIBEMEIT OF THE UNITED STATES, 

BY THE AUTHOK, 

A. BENNETT REPLOGLE. 



THIS PRAMA 13 ARRWOED TlR FIREMEN'S BKNEPIT EN- 

TKHTAINMENTS; TIIESCExNES BEING SO AURANO- 

ED AS TO UKINO THE FIREMKX UPON THE 

STAGE SEVjiRAr. TIMES IX FIRE SCENES, 

ETC., DURING ITS PliESENTATION. 



co:p-2-iaid}-i3:TEr). 



NliCIiSSARY COSTUMES. 



II A L E : 

Mk. DaULIng— 1st. Common farmer's suit. 2.1. Traveling suit, overcoat, etc. 

3d. Dress suit. 
Henry LovEwoRTii —ist. Dress suit. 2d. Business suit. 3 1. Shabby suit. ^th. 

Very ragged suit, IvitterL'cl hat, etc. sth. Somewhat better suit. 6th. Dress 

siiit ' 
Dit. Bkooks— lEt. DrCFS Miit. 2d. Business suit. (Chang-e at v.'iil). 
PcssY ScuxEiDEn — 1st. Ciiuiic dutch sviit. 2d. Fireman's suit, with big hat and 

tiTimpet. 3d. Dutch suit. 
Thomas Maktin—isI. Rather neat business suit. zii,. Shabby suit. 3d. Very rag- 

ged suit. • 

Dick— Common suit. (Changeat will). 
Uncle Sam — ist. Common farm laborer's .suit. 2d and 3d. A good unper-class ser 

rant's suit. 
Ml r.ON Clifford — ist. fireman's uniform. 2(1. Citi/.en's fine suit. 3d. Dress suit 
Mii. Fowler— Farmer's common suit. 
Chief Engineer — Regular uniform. 
Foreman — Regular uniform. 



F ID M A L E : 

Mks. Dauhkg— !st. Neat farm tiress. 2d. Traveling dress. 

Fannv Dal'i.ixg— ist. Fine dress. 2d. Change at will. 3d. Neat calico dr 
4th. Ragged butclean old calico dress. 5tii. N'cat calii;o'dress. 6th.. Fine d;- 
.Mus. Dk. Brooks— ist. Fine evening dress. 2d. Change at v^-:ll. 
ICmma — lEt, Old ragged dress. 2d. Fine traveling dress. 3 I. Fine dress. 
Mks. FoWLiiR — Neat home farm dress. 
Mrs. CLiFFORD--Fine street dress. 
iMks. Smith — Fine street dress. 
Fii-iE Co.Ml'ANY — Tn uniform. 
YocNG Ladies for Tableaux — In appropriate costume. 



STAGE DIRECTIONS : 

R — Kight. L. 2. E. — Left Second Entrance. 

JL S.— Rig^ht Side. L. 3. E.— Left Third Entrance. 

R. I. E.— Right First Entrance. C— Center. 

R. 2. E.— Right Second Entrance. R. C— RighfCenter. 

R 3. E.— Right Third Entrance. L. C— Left Center. 

L.— Left. R. IF— Right Haml. 

L. S.— Left Side. L. IF— Left Hand. [audience. 

L. I. E. — Left Fii-st Ehfrance. First entrance supposed to be nearest the 



RESCUED BY FIREMEN 

oie. 

RECLAIMED AT LAST. 



A Firemen's Drama in Five Acts 

WITH ACCOMPANYmC TABLEAUX. |^(J j,J£ 

WRITTEN AND ARRANOED FROM INCIDENTS AND SCENES IN 
REAL LIFE, AND RESPECTFULLY DEDICATED TO THE 

.FIREMEN OF THE UNITED STATES 

BY THE AUTHOR^ ITfl A W -iAitOMl 



THIS DRAMA IS ARRANGED FOR FIREMEN'S BENEFIT ENTER 
TAINMENTS ; THE SCENES BEING SO ARRANGED AS TO 
BRING THE FIREMEN UPON THE STAGE SEV- 
ERAL TIMES, IN FIRE SCENES, B;TC., ., . . . ,, 
i -r -.Oi(jrjj.jj^^ ITS PRESENTATION. . "J^n\ 

"-:'-. _ r<7.?-^l J! 



Entered according to Act of Congress, in the j'ear 1878, 

By a. BENNETT REPLOGLE, 

In the ©flice of the Librarian of Congress at Washington, D. C. 



NOTICE: 

This Play, or Drama, has been duly copyrighted according to Act of Congress 
regulating copyrights. The production of this play or drama by anj' person or pef -• 
sons, without the consent af the author, is hereby prohibited and such person or 
persons are notified that any infringement of the author's rights under said copy- 
right will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. 

A . BENNETT REPLOGi.E, 

^.^ , Author and Mana^f r. 



iVv^ ■\c^^!^ ■ v^ifi 



DRAMATIS PERSONJB. 

Mr. Dauling A Farmer. 

Henry Loveworth A Young Lawyer. 

Dr. Brooks A Physician. 

Pussy Schneider A Dutch Fireman. 

Thomas Martin A Young Lawyer. 

Dick A Saloon Keeper. 

Uncle Sam A Colored Servant, 

MiLON Clifford ...A Fireman. 

Mr. Fowler Neighbor to Mr. Dauling. 

Chief Engineer,) „„ ^™ ;. 

-, I Officers ot I'lre Department. 

Foreman, \ ^ 

FEMALE. 



Mrs. Dauling Wife of Farmer Dauling. 

Fannie Dauling Daughter of Farmer Dauling. 

Mrs. Dr. Brooks Wife of Dr. Brooks. 

Emma Daughterof Henry Loveworth. 

Mrs. Fowler Wife of Mr. Dauling's Neighbor. 

Mrs.Clifford Mother of MilonCHfford 

Mrs. Martin 
Young Ladies. 

Other Characters : Members of a Fire Company. 



RESCUED BY FIREMEN, 



o:Ea, 



RECLAIMED AT LAST. 



ACT I. SCENE I.— TIME, MORNING. 

Place : Home of Mr. Dauling\, short distance from village. 
Dining room, liable C, Chairs R. and X., Mr. Dau- 
lifig R. of Table seated., Mrs. Dauling L. of Table ; 
Fanny and Uncle Sam arranging table. 

Fanny — Mother, shall Uncle Sam call Henry ? We must 
not let him miss the train for his time is but short to ar- 
range for our marriage, which you know takes place in a 
fortnight. 

Mrs. Dauling — Yes, Uncle Sam go to Henry's door and 
rap, and tell him breakfast is .waiting. Father, I do hope 
you will not discuss the subject of Temperance with Mr. 
Loveworth this morning, for you know he has always been 
surrounded with its evil influences, having lived all his life 
in the city where there are so many liquor eitablishments, 
ancTyou are so radical upon the subject, I fear at times 
\'our discussions will drive him away. 

Mr. Dauling — Yer}' well, mother, if it is offensive to him 
I cannot help it. But you must remember the happiness 
of our child is at stake, and I would rather bury her on her 
appointed wedding day, than see her united in marriage 
with a man who is likely to become a drunkard. Uncle' 
Sam ? 

Uncle Sam — Sah. 



4 UliSCUIiD i!V l-IKKMliN OR 



Mr. Dauling — Go call Master Henry and tell him we 
are waiting. 

Uncle Sam — Yes sah. I'll git him right out now shuah 
[Bxi^ L. 2 E:\ 

Mr. Dauling — I am sure arguments in favor of temper- 
ance can harm no one, and I am in hopes they may do 
Henry some good. 

Fanny — Father ! You insinuate that Henry is likely to 
become a drunkard ; has he not told you repeatedly that 
he has no appetite for liquor ? You need not fear for him ; 
he has too much self-respect to fall beneath the dignity of 
his profession, and that of a gentleman ; and he drinks ■ 
nothing but wines, and it is seldom he gets enough under 
the influence of that to notice it. I do wonder whether Uncle 
vSam has called him ! I will see. \^E7iter Uncle Sajn. L. 2 M.\ 

Uncle Sam- — Nebber mind. Missy Fanny, nebber mind, 
Henry am comin down right away shuah. \Enter Henry 
L. 3 E. ivith hat and cane, ivhich he places upon stand R. 
S. of stage. \ 

Henry — Good morning. Eh, Fanny, you are up early 
this morning ! I hope you have been to no inconA'enience 
on my account. ( They take seats at the table?^ 

Fanny — Ah, none at all, Henry, we are scared}' earlier 
than usual. 

Mr. Dauling — Mr. Love worth let me assist you to a bit 
of tlie steak. 

Henry — Thank you. \^A rap at the door.] 

Mrs. Datling — Uncle Sam, there is some one at the 
door ; go and see who it ii. 

Uncle Sam — Yes Missy. [ Goes to door.] Why it am Mr. 
and Mrs. Fowler. 

Fanny — Well Uncle »Sam, why don't you ask them in ? 

Uncle Sam — Oh, dat waj ! I didn't knowed dat you 
wanted dem for to come in. [Goes to door.] 

Mrs. Dauling — What an idea ! 

Uncle Sam — Good mornin Mr.Fowler,good mornin, step 
right in, step right in. \Enter JSIr. c£: Mrs. Eoxvlcr, R. i E.] 

Mr. Fowler — Good morning friends ! 

Mrs. Fowler — Don't let us keep you from your break- 
fast Mrs. Dauling. We thought we would just run in a 
moment to see if you had heard of old Bill Hodkins' capers 
last nisfht. 



KECJ.AIMED AT I.AST. 



Mr. Dauling — No we have not. Why, what has he been 
doing, getting drunk and whipping his wife again ? 

Mrs. Fowler — No, worse ! He killed liis child, and — ■ — 

All— Killed his child ! 

Mrs. Fowler — Yes, or at least they say it cannot live. 
He came home last night at about twelve o'clock, drunk, 
and as he reached the top of the stairs, he stumbled over 
the cradle and awoke the baby and as it crawled out, he 
threw it to the bottom of the stairs, and its little head 
struck the old newel post and fractured its skull. 

Mr. Dauling and Henry — Mad man I) . y, ,, -, 

Mrs. Dauling and Fanny — Oh, horror I [ l ^ ■ -J 

Henry — The demon ! He ought to be hung. Such a man 
ought never be allowed to drink at all. tlic old fiend I 

Fanny — Oh it is awful ! 

Mr. Fowler — Well, mother, we must go back, I must 
get to work. 

Mrs. Fowler — Yes, we must go, the girls have break- 
fast ready by this time. 

Mr. Fowler- — Mr. Dauling I came to see if I could get 
your post-auger to-day ? I have some posts to set. 

Mr. Dauling — Yes, yes, certainly, certainly I Uncle vSam 
go get it, I think you'll find it in the granary at the- — — 

Uncle Sam — No, no, it aint. Massa Dauling, it am in de 
barn a stickin up ober old Bets stall nigh whar we hang de — 

Mr. Dauling — Well, well. Uncle Sam, if you know 
where it is, go with him and get it. 

Uncle vSam — Yes sah, all right sah ! [I^x//- L'ticle Sam. 
Mr. a?id Mrs. Foivler R. \ E.\ 

Mrs. Dauling — Oh dear 1 It is awful to think of that 
man staining his hands with ihe innocent blood ofhis child. 

Fanny — Oh don't speak of it I it is awful, terrible. 

Henry — The old madman, how could he think of com- 
mitting such a crime. 

Mr. Dauling — Henry Lo\ cworth, 1 well remember the 
time, and it is not more than ten years ago, when William 
Hodkins drank no more than you do, and like you too, he 
was well respected by all who knew him ; and when we 
organized our temperance society in the village, we invited 
and urged him to join with us and to sign the pledge, but 
he would not. .He simpl}- laughed at our eftbrts, and Avhen 
his wife joined us, he only drank the more : and since then, 



6 RKSCUED BY MKKMEN, Oil 



he has b«en going down, down, down, rind now he is a 
hopeless drunkard ; and you have just heard of the terri- 
ble crime he has perpetrated. 

Henry — He may have been respected, but he is a pooj-, 
weak, miserable fool ; and no doid^t would have done the 
same if he had signed the pledge. The pledge ! w4iy nien 
sign the pledge every day, and break it as often. What is 
the pledge ? What does it do ? 

^Ir. Dauling — The jiledge, sir. Do you regard your 
pledge as naught ? If so, I very much mistake you. 

Henry — I have never signed the pledge, and do not in- 
tend doing so ; I should be ashamed to so much acknowl- 
edge my weakness. The pledge will do very well for those 
who cannot control themselves, but for me, why I stand 
in no danger. Why should I sign the pledge ? I can drink, 
or I can let it alone. I have no appetite for liquor at all, 
therefore I am in no danger. 

Mr. Dauling — Henry Loveworth, you mistake your po- 
sition. You indeed stand in great danger of becoming a 
drunkard. You do lack resolution, sir, and, I may as well 
speak plainly at once, no young man shall ever attain to 
the hand of my child, who has not moral courage enough 
to assert his manhood by signing the pledge. 
Henry — \^Ris{?to\\ That sir, I shall never do. 
Mr. Dauling — Then sir, your visits here, and your ad- 
dresses to my daughter must cease at once. 

Henry — They shall sir, if it is Fanny's desire, but if it 
is not your wish Fanny, I desire a private interview with 
you immediately. 

Mr. Dauling — You need not consult her wishes, sir. I 
alone command in this house : and I now demand that you 
quit my roof at once and forever ; and I positively forbid- 
any interview or communication whatever between you. 
Henry — Mr. Dauling, I consider that I have been in- 
sulted, and driven from your door like a dog, which some- 
time you may have sufficient cause to regret. 

Mr. Dauling — Yoiuig man ! Will you have the goodness 
to leave this house at once ? And may you never cross my 
threshold again. 

Henry — Yes sir, I will go, but you may find that our re- 
lation does not end here. [Zf.v// J?. 2 E.\ 

Fanny — Oh Father ! You surely must be mistaken. Hen- 
ry certainly has too much pride and self-respect ever to be 
a drunkard. 



RECLAIMED AT LAST. 

Mr. Dauling — Hold your tongue. 

Mrs. Dauling — Fanny, can you not see that he cares 
more for his wine than he does for you ? I have always 

been in fears, but did not wish to interfere but father 

[J^'anny %veepsJ\ 

Mr. Dauling — I hnve but done my duty. \Exit L.2, E.\ 

Mrs. Dauling- — Fanny you need not weep so. Dry your 
eyes. He has gone and it is better for you. \^Exit L. 2 Ii.\ 
\Enter Uncle Sam, R. 2 E. ivith letter.^ 

Uncle Sam — Here missy, ha ! ha ! ha ! Why what you 
cryin about ? ho ! ho ! ho ! Golly. Why, does you cry dat 
way ebery time massa Henry goes off ? ha ! ha ! ha I 

Fanny — Why, I was not crying. 

Uncle Sam — Yes you was now, ha ! ha ! ha ! Why I 
seed de tears rollin down like cart wheels. Why dey glit- 
ter in yo' eye like de dew drops on de cabbage. Oh ! I 
forgot dis paper. Massa Henry he gib it to me, and he 
done tole me for to not let anybody see it. \Hands her a 7iote\ 

Fanny — Now you may go. Uncle Sam. but stay, you 
must not tell anybody. 

Uncle Sam — Tell anybody what ? 

Fanny — W^hy, about this note. 

Uncle Sam — Oh ! am dat % note ? I tought dat was a letter. 

Fanny — Why in is a note from Henry. 

Uncle Sam — Oh ! Oh ! dat, dat am a note on massa 
Henry am it ? How much is it. 

Fanny — No, no, it is a note, a letter. I mean for you not 
to tell that I received it. 

Uncle Sam — Oh, dat way ! You means for me to neb- 
ber tell anybody nuffin about your receiben de note ah. 
Now you jest bet youh bottom dollah I nebber tell any- 
body nuffin bout dat shuah. 

Fanny — Thank you Uncle Sam. Now you may go, 
\^Exit Uncle Sam L. i ^.] 

Fanny — [Reading^ noteJ] "My Dear Fanny : Although 
your father has positively forbidden any interview or com- 
munication between vis, may I hope that you will act to- 
wards me according to the dictates of your own heart r 
Will you meet me to morrow night at twelve o'clock at the 
road crossing below the house ? Please send your answer 
immediately by Uncle Sam, and I will await it here. I beg- 
to assure vou that T am still your ever devoted Henry." 



S RESCUED BY FIREMEN, OR 

Yes I will answer him and tell him that I will meet him. 
[ Writes.] There, [readifig- ivhat she has ivritteTi] " Dear 
Henry, I will meet you as you request, to-morrow night at 
twelve. Let me assure you that my father's conduct has 
made no change in your own Fanny.'' There, no\v^I will 
lind Uncle Sam. [<r.Y/V /. a <?.] • .,»'Ui-'^: 

SCENli^ ^EGOND— TIME, MIDNIGHT. 

Stage dark; siorM/ slight thunder and lightning. Sloiv 

rain; exterior of Mr. Dauling^s house L. H. Fanny 

standing in the door closely robed as seen by flash of 

lightning. Storm music on fiano. 

Fanny — Dear what a flash of lightning ! How it fright- 
ens me ! It seems like a warning. So dark and stormy it is, 
that I fear me it forebodes an evil future. I fear to go, but 
I promised to meet him. He is doubless waiting for me 
now. It is twelve o'clock and past. Yes I must go- \exit 
r. I c] {Sce7te rises., back of ^vhich is landscape scene, and 
Henry discovered by flash of lightning. Etiter Fcinnyr "}) ^) 

Fanny — Oh ! he is here. Why FIenry,^j3paxe,you waited 
long ? Father sat up so late. ..._ ; ^t j", 

Henry — I have been waiting some time, but I should 
not have been much disappointed if you had not come at 
all, it is raining so hard. 

Fanny — It is dreadful. Dear how it storms ! 

Henry — Yes, I must not keep you waiting long ; one 
week from to-day is the time set for our wedding. Will 
3'ou be jDrepared to meet me here then at this same spot, 
and time, to be off with me to a magistrate whom I will 
have in readiness to perform the marriage ceremony ? Do 
you consent ? Speak dearest. Do not keep me in sus- 
pense. Remember, delay is fatal. 

Fanny — Oh Henry ! It is hard to leave home so soon. 
Mother and 

Henry — Fanny Darling trust me, all will be well. Tell 
me that you love me and that you will meet n.ie hero. 

Fanny — You know that I love you, or else I would nev- 
er have promised to be your wife, — But to leave my homo 
in this way. When I think of the kindness of my parents 
and mothei- now growing old — Oh it breaks m\' heart, 
[cries] and father will never forgive me ! 

Henry- — My Darling ! If I did not believe that when our 
marriage has taken place your parents will then cease to 



liKCJLAJlMKJJ AT J- AST. 



persist In the foolish stand they have taken, and gladly 
welcome you home again; or that I shall be able to render 
your life happy and give you a joyous and comfortable 
home though father and mother and all the world should 
forsake you! I would not dare to ask you to cast your lot 
with mine, but dearest I kno^v we shall be happy. We 
must be happy. So do not hesitate longer. Fanny will 
you trust me ? 

Fanny — Yes Henry, as you dictate be it so. I will meet 
you. I w/// trust you. I will confide in your honor and lov.e. ■. 

Henry — Then I will be here at twelve o'clock sharp with 
a carriage. 

Fanu}" — I will meet you promptly, unless sickness or 
death should prevent. 

Henry — Heaven bless you dearest 1 And may the good 
angels keep you safely until then. But I must not keep 
you longer in the storm, I will go with you to the gate. 
\exit both r t^ c] 

SCENE THIRD— TIME, EVENING. 

7^ lace : Interior home of Mr. Daulhig. Air, DauUng 
seated c.., reading paper. Mrs. Dauling seated r. c. sezv- 
ing. Fanny seated I. c. se-ving. 

j\Irs. Dauling— Fanny you are so pale. Are you ill .' 

Faun3'-T-No mother, I have only had a slight headache 
this afternoon. 

Mr. Dauling — Poor child, perhaps her recent troubles 
are wearing upon her ; but Fanny you should consider 
yourself fortunate to be rid of a man who would rather 
forsake you than his wine,v ,. "x-j 

Fanny — Don't you think- yoat^rc mistaken in your opin- 
ion of Henry Love worth ? 

Mr. Dauling — Mistaken ! Did he not declare that he 
would not abstain from the use of wine and from moderate 
drinking ? And does not moderate drinking lead to drunk- 
ennes ? I. tell you there is no safety but in an absolute re 
fusal to take one single step towards forming an appetite 
which will forever demand gratification. It makes mc 
tremble when I think of the danger in which you were 
placed, and of your becoming that lowly thing — a drunk- 
ard's wife. 

Airs. Dauling — Fanny I fear you might have had a life- 
time of repentance ; and I hope you have by this time en- 



RESCUED BY 1 1UEM£>", OK 



tirely abandoned the idea of ever becoming the wife of 
Henry Loveworth. You had much better marry some one 
here of your own sphere in Hfe. One whom you have 
been acquainted with from childhood. Such a man as 
John Fowler would make you happy, and you would have 
no trouble in getting him. 

Fanny — Better wait until he asks mc mother ? 

Mrs. Dauling — He will never ask 3^ou as long as Henry 
Loveworth stands in the way. 

Fanny — Oh well ! it would'nt do him any good. 

Mr. Dauling — Well Fanny I woidd a thousand times 
rather have John Fowler for iny son-in-law than Henry 
Loveworth. 

Mrs. Dauling — Yes indeed, there is no finer young man 
lives than John Fowler, and I should not have the least fear 
of his ever being a drunkard. 

Fanny — Nor need you fear for Henry, he has. too much 
self-respect ; the idea of a man of his intellect becoming a 
drunkard. 

Mr. Dauling — Intellect I Does his intellect surpass that 
of Daniel Webster ? Fanny I see you are still disposed to 
defend him. Iristn^^ Now let me warn you before it is too 
late. Henry Loveworth is just the man to become a drunk- 
ard ; he has already formed the habit of tippling, and the 
day you link your fate with him, you seal your own doom, 
and that very day your father will disinherit you. So now 
remember, you have been warned. Do you hear me ? 

Fanny — Yes sir, I hear you. [enfer Uncle Sam, r. i (?,] 

Uncle Sam — Gracious, goodness ! massa Dauling dar 
am just more'n comin up a big storm out dar in de west ; 
and it am jest a blowm up a regular sirracane. [takes seat 
I. h. of Fanny and fans xvitk haf.^ I jest had to run like nil 
sam-hill to git home. 

Mr. Dauling — [^Looking out of entranced] No ! the storm 
is passing over and the moon will shine clear to-night. 

Mi-s. Dauling — Fanny hadn't you better go to your 
room ? You are so pale. 

Fanny — Yes mother I shall go soon, I am almost done. 

Mr. Dauling — [Looking at %vatcA.~\ Dear how time flies ! 
It is after eleven o'clock. Uncle Sam wake up. We 
must be up at five remember, [exit Mr. Dauling /, 2 e. 
Uncle Sapi r. i <?.] 



RECLAIMED AT LAST. 



Mrs. Dauling — There, I have mine done. [/-«.?<?.s'] You 
are most through are you not .'' Don't stay up long. 

Fanny — Yes I am most through. I will go soon. 

Mrs. Dauling — Good night dear ! 

Fanny — Good night mother [exit Mrs. Dauling 1. 3 el\ 
Y^'es, I shall go soon ; but how it pains me to think that I 
leave this roof never to Return. Mother dear farewell 
\h<nvi7ig her kzad oti. the table\ Oh ! It pains me to think I 
can never return to you mother, you who have been so 
kiild and loving ; and you father, who have made my home 
so happy. But now I leave you forever [boiving head on 
/he fable, pauses, then resumes.^ Dear, I have been sleeping. 
What a horrid dream I have had. Can it be a warning ? 
No, 'twas but a dream, [bozvs head as before, clock strikes 
tivelve.^ The hour has come ! [rising.\^ I have my cloak 
and hat concealed here, [she 'takes thetn from under the ta- 
ble and puts them on. Soft mtisic.^ Oil, mother, father, 
farewell, farewell peaceful, quiet home where I have been 
so happy. How ! Oh how can I tear myself from thee. 
[ While getiifig toilet articles from table she sets candle un- 
der drapery %v hi ch is arranged xvith gun-cotton a?id alco- 
hol, ivhich ignites and is discovered burning.^ Farewell, 
Farewell ! [exit r. 1 <?.] 

SCENE FOURTH- -MOONLIT LANDSCAPE. 

(Henry and Fanny discovered C.) 
Henry — Oh, P'anny ! You are prompt to-night. 
Fanny — Yes Henry, but let us be oft' at once. I fear to 
stay a moment lest we may be discovered. But, ah, I have 
forgotten my valise. I concealed it under the clvmip of 
rose-bushes back of the house. I cannot go without it. 
Henry — Then I will assist you in the carriage and will 
go after it. Come, I will be gone but a monient. (Both 
exit 1. 3 e.) 

SCENE FIFTH. 

Place: Exterior of Mr. Dauling's house. Shutters on 
house. Fire seen through cracks of shutters. Moon- 
light. Enter Henry 1, 1 e. 
Henry — Ah! What is the meaning of this ? (Passes back 

of house and gets valise and then reappears) A fire? It is. 

Heavens what a situation I am in ! If I give the alarm we 

will be detected, and vet I cannot leave without warning 



RESCUED I;Y I'lUEMEN, OR 



them. Yes, Lwill givq the alarm and hasten away with 
all speed. The house is too far from the village to be saved 
as the fire has gained such a headway, and if we succeed 
in making our escape, the fire will destroy all evidence of 
our elopement. Yes I will risk it. (Goes to door and cries) 
Fire ! Fire I (Exit hurriedly Lie.) (A moment's pause, 
then voices are heard in the distance) Fire ! Fire ! Fire ! 
(Fire alarms are sounded as, if half-mile away. Fire in- 
creases. vShutters fall from building. Nearer and nearer 
comes the sound of ) Fire! Fire! (Men rusli upon the 
stage r. and 1. with hose cart, hose, hook and laddei;, fire 
buckets, etc. Loud quick musicas scene raises). 

Chief — Are the people all out of the house ? Does any 
one know ? Are the people of the house all safe ? 

Foreman — Yes thev are all safe. They made their es- 
cape by a back window, at least I have seen all but Mr. 
Dauling's daughter. (Enter Mr. and iSIrs. Dauling, 1. i e., 
excited. 

Mrs. Dnuling — 'We can't find Fanny. She is in the 
house I know. Oh save, oh save her ! (Wrings her hands 
and falls on herknees.) Oh my child I 

Mr. Dauling — Where, Oh where is our child : I must 
save her I (Attempts to rush into the house but is held 
back by firenren, as a crashing sound is heard within the 
house.) Oh God, she is lost I (Mrs. Dauling faints and is 
carried from stage as curtain falls). 

ACT SECOND— SCEIS'E FIRST. 

Time, Evening — Place : First home of Henry Loveworth 

in the city. Well furnished jjarlor, table covered with 

rich spread, decanter of wine and glasses c; chairs r. 

and 1. Henry seated r. of table, Fanny 1. Henry fills 

glass with wine and holds it up to light. 

Henry — My dear, what foolish ideas some people have 
of wine and other liquors moderately used, and what a 
fanatic your father is. Why he thinks that I will become 
a drunkard simply because I take an occasional glass, as if 
1 were so weak-minded that I cannot control my appetite. 

Fanny — Yes Henry, father is ver}^ radical upon the sub- 
ject of temperance. Perhaps it is because my imcle was a 
drunkard ; lie lead a most wretched life and died with the 
delirium tremens. 

Henry — Well your unele just happened to be the kind 
of mnn who could not control himself; he probably did 



RECLAIMED AT I.AST. 



not possess a very bright intellect. What was his profes- 
sion or business r 

Fanny — The same as yours. He practiced law nine 
years, and >vas elected to Congress twice before he fell ; 
he certainly must have been intelligent. 

Henry — Oh yes ! he was , doubtless, intelligent enough 
so far as education goes, but he went to extremes ; he 
should not have allowed his appetite to get away with 
him. But surely a social glass cannot harm any one. I 
could not be so lost to every social obligation as to refuse a 
glass of Avine with a friend, (drinks). 

Fanny — Henry you spoke of Dr. Brooks and his wife 
calling to spend the evening. What time do you think 
they will come ? 

Henry — They did not sa}-, but I suppose they will be 
here soon. .\ ■ ," ' 

Fanny--You did not tell me wJio. tliey are I,lDelie.y£"j , 

Henry — The doctor is of very fine people and has an 
extensive practice, and his wife is a perfect lady. By the 
way I forgot to say that Mr. Martin will also be here ; he 
happened into my office this afternoon and I invited him 
to call this evening. 

Fanny — Mr. Martin ? And who is he pray ? 

Henry — A friend of mine ; the most promising ^oung 
lawyer in the city ; all life and as generous as kind. You 
will like him I am sure. Everybody does. (A rap at door) 
Ah, they are coming. (Goes to door.) (Enter I>r. Brooks 
and wife r. i e.) Good evening ; Dr. Brooks, my wife ; 
Mrs. Brooks, Mrs. Loveworth. (Shake hands). 

Dr. Brooks — I am glad to see, you so cheerful and happ3^ 
You have a very pleasant place here indeed Mr.Loveworth. 

]SIrs. Brooks — A really beautiful place, very cosy and 
comfortable. 

Fanny — Yes, A\e like it very much ; still I should have 
been just as well, if not better satisfied, with a cottage 
farther removed from the business' part of the city. 

Henry — Mrs. Loveworth has been used to moi-e quietude 
but I think after she becomes accustomed to the busy 
throngs of the city, she will like it very well. 

Dr. Brooks — Oh ,ye$, it will he but a, short time, Mrs. 
Loveworth, until you wilL quite forget. ^hat a^strect car 
passes ^•our door. 



14 RESCUED BY FIREMEN, OR 

Fanny — No indeed, I cannot forget that ; for it brings 
Henry home from his office every evening. (Rap at door.) 
Henry — It is Mr. Thomas Martin. (Goes to door. Enter 
Thomas Martin r. i e.) Good evening Thomas. (They 
shake hands). Mr. Martin, my wife ; I beHeve you are 
acquainted with the Doctor and his wife. 

^ Thomas — (Shaking hands with the doctor and wife). 
Yes I beheve we have met before. Eh, Doctor ! last fall 
when I had the typhoid fever ? 

Dr. Brooks — Yes I remember quite distinctly. Thomas, 
you had a very severe attack. 

Thomas — I think I had. I had prejoared my case for 
the court at another bar. 

Ileur}' — I suppose you dwelt quite a long time upon the 
preparation of that case, as the result was most important 
— to yourself — But excuse me ! I had forgotten the wine. 
(Takes decanter and glasses from table). Mrs. Brooks let 
me help you to a glass of the wine, 

Mrs. Brooks — No, thank you ! I believe I don't care for 
any. 

Henry — Oh, have a glass ! I am sure it will not harm you. 

Airs. Brooks — Well, you may help me to just a little- 
(She takes a glass from Henry and drinks it). 

Henry — (Going to Dr. B. with a glsss) Doctor, have a 
glass. 

Dr. Brooks — No thank yoxi Henry ; I do not wish it. 

Henry — It is port wine, Doctor, take a glass ? 

Dr. Brooks — No, no, thank you ; but I never drink any- 
I have a strong aversion to it. 

Thomas — What, a strong aversion to wine, doctor. 

Henry — Surely you are not afraid of wine, and you a 
physician ? You certainly know that it cannot harm you. 

Thomas — Why doctor you prescribed it for me last fall. 

Dr. Brooks — Oh yes, in case of sickness ; it was neces- 
sary in your case Thomas. 

Henry — Why doctor the Bible speaks of drinking wine. 

Dr. Brooks — Yes, I know it does ; it says, "Look not 
thou upon the wine when it is red. When it giveth his 
color in the cup, when it moveth itself aright, at the last it 
biteth like a serpent and stingeth like an adder." 

Thomas — But Christ made wine for the marriage feast) 
the Bible tells us. 



RECLAIMED AT LAST. 



Dr. Brooks — Yes, yes, I know it does, but it was not the 
fermented wine that intoxicates, and the Bible tells us 
more. It says, " Wine is a mocker and strong drink is 
raging, and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise." 

Henry — Well, the Apostle Paul recommended wine to 
Timothy. 

Dr. Brooks — And it was only recommended to Timothy 
for his "often infirmity," his disease. I kncrju that to a 
man in health it is injurious. 

Henry — Well, will you not take one glass, doctor, just 
one glass. 

Dr. Brooks — No, not one, not a drop ; it is but the devil 
in disguise. 

Henry — (Going up to Thomas). Have a glass Thomas, 
I know you will not refuse it, 

Thomas — Cei'tainly I will not refuse a social glass of 
wine. (Takes a glass and drinks it). Thanks ; tha*^ is an 
excellent article. 

Henry — It is so. The very best. (Passes a glass to Fan- 
ny). Have >orae Fanny. > 

Fanny— No, I believe I do not care for any, 

Henry — Why you are not turning temperance too, are 
you ? Take a glass, it will not harm you. 

Fanny —I cannot see that it does me any good, so please 
excuse me to-night. 

Henry — Well I wouldn't refuse a glass of wine in a so- 
cial circle of friends. But I will not urge you to drink it 
against your will, (he drinks, then passes it to Thomas). 
Thomas, have another. 

Thomas — Thank you. (drinks another glass). 

Henry — Doctor, wont you have a glass now, it is only 
wine ? 

Dr. Brooks — Yes, I know, but it is intoxicating, therefore 
I will not drink it. 

Henry — Mrs. Brooks have another glass please ? 

Mrs. Brooks — No, Mr. Loveworth, thank you, one glass 
is sufficient (A rap. Henry goes to door, r. i e. enter 
little girl poorly clad). 

Girl — Please sii", is Dr. Brooks here l 

Henry — Yes, little one, that is the gentleman. 

Girl — (Going up to Dr. Brooks) Oh, please doctor wont 
you just come over to see ma. 



•'.. ij3ic. .. . 

l6 RESCUED BY FIREMEN, OK 

Dr. BrooksT— What is the matter with your mother ? 

Girl— Oh sir ! Pa was drunk, and he hit her on her head 
with his cane and nearly killed her, and her face is all cov- 
ered with blood. 

Dr. Brooks — AVhose little girl are you ? 

Girl — John Hookers. 

Dr. Brooks — Yes, I know your father. Go tell your 
mother that I will come soon. (Exit girl r. i c). 

Henry — Why I wonder what could have tempted tftii 
man to commit so brutal an act, •'^■-a' 

Dr. Brooks — Just one word will answer you, I^iquor. 
It is only a short tmie since John Hooker's name could 
have been seen in gilded letters above his door on 4th street 
where he drove a thriving business ; and now he is a mis- 
erable wreck,and not worth a dollar ; and the same accurs- 
ed beverage you have indulged in so frequently to-night is 
the cause of it all. He drank wine in a social circle of 
friends, and in a short time his appetite demanded some- 
thing stronger, and he gratified it, imtil at last, he could 
not resist its power over him and he fell. But I must go, 
Mr. Martin will you be kind enough to go vvith me,-as"t 
may need assistance ? '"li.^?* 

Thomas — Yes, doctor, J. ^^^^ S'o with you. '"",''_ .'.., 

Mrs. Brooks — Doctor, how long will you be goii^.^jjni!!5 
so late. ' "" 'Vr 

Dr. Brooks — I cannot say. Perhaps an hour. -jjiij f 

Fanny — Henry we could accompany Mrs. Brook&-'^P?)lfei; 
could we not ? \ ,'asnioi 

Henry — Certainly, Mrs. Brooks, we will go with you. , -'i 

Mrs. Brooks — I Avill be very much obliged to youfsH 
your kindness. (Exit Dr. Brooks and Thomas r. i e). 

Fanny — I will be ready in a moment, (Starts to door). 

Mrs. Brooks — I will assist you. (Exit Mrs. Brooks aiid 
Fanny 1. i e). '."^ " " '. 

Henry — (iaknig up paper giid looking over it a mo- 
ment) Well, Well. As I expected, " Horrible burning to 
" death of a young lady and destruction of property by fire. 
" On the night of the 17th the farm house of Mr. J. C. 
" Dauling of Greenfield took fire and burned to the ground. 
" His only child, a daughter of nineteen years, it seems was 
"unable to make her escape and ivas burned to death. 
" Seaich was made after the fire for soaie remains of her 



KECJLAUMKU AT LAST. 



" body, but in vain. A most sad bereavement to the par- 
" ents." Ha ! ha ! It has worked like a charm. But Fanny- 
is coming ; I must conceal the paper from her. She must 
if possible be kept in ignorance of this notice. [Puts pa- 
per in pocket. Enter Fanny and Mrs. Brooks 1. 3 e. in 
street attire]. ,, ■ •, „,; .^^; • 

Fanny — We are ready Henry^ [Exit alLr>^i-)e^ri, f^j^^ ,_ 

SCENE SECOND— PLACE, DICK'S %AL'0bN. 

Bar 1. h. Decanters, glasses and cigar boxes on shelves. 
Henry and Thomas at bar drinking. Dick behind coun- 
ter arranging bar. Two men seated at table c. playing 
cards. Pussy Schneider seated at table r. h. with glass of 
beer which he sips occasionally, and at intervals smok- 
ing his pipe. Dr. Brooks standing between and at rear 
of Henry and Thomas. 

H — Fill them up again Dick with the same. 
Dr. B — Henry and Thomas I implore you to drink 
no more to-night ; go with me over to my office awhile, 
then we will go home. 

H — Well don't be in a hurry Doc ; We can go home 
when we have no place else to go. [Takes decanter and 
fills glasses]. 

Dr. B — Friends, don't drink any more. You have al- 
ready drank six glasses each to-night. 

D — Well whose business is it if they drink six more. 
Dr. B — I am sure you would not make it your business, 
even if they ruined themselves, as many of your custo- 
mers have done. 

T — Well here's to you, Hank ; Doc here's prosperity to 
you. (drinks). 

P — Tick, more lager beer. 

D — Yes Pussy, just as soon asT rinse these glasses. 
P — Oh dot way, vel dot ish all right den. (smokes). 
D — (Gets Pussy's glass, refiills it, and as he passes card 
table says to men) Well who beat ? 
First Player — I beat. 

Second Player — Yes Dick, he beat me. Bring us two 
glasses of brandy, and we'll play another game. (Dick 
goes behind counter and gets decanter and two glasses 
and takes them to card players). 

T — I say Dick, lets have some more.; Hank you can go 
anothe4-. 



iS RESCUED BY FIREMEN, OR 

H — Yes, of course I can (hie) drink as much as you can. 

Dr. B — Henry you must drink no more to-night. You 
are already partially intoxicated. Oh, how it grieves me 
to see the friend of my youth thus debased and enslaved ! 
Oh, do quit before it is too late. It pains me to see 5'our 
fast increasing appetite ; only three years ago you drank 
nothing but wine, and when I urged you to shun it you 
answered me that you drank nothing stronger ; Henry ex- 
cuse me, but as I see your downward course I cannot re- 
frain from warning you. Oh think where it is leading you, 
reflect a moment. Where is your practice, and 

H- — Doe (hie) if I didn't know you to be my (hie) friend, 
I'd think you wanted to (liic) insult me. 

Dr. B — No, Henry, God knows I do not mean to insult 
you. (Card-players go to bai', call for drinks, pay bill, 
drink and exit r. i. e.) (Enter Fanny r. i c, dressed poorly 
but clean. 

F — (Going up to Henry and laying hand on his shoul- 
der) Oh, Henry please come home with me ? 

H — Why Fan, what brought you (hie) here this time of 
night } (hie) Go on home and I'll come soon. 

F- -Oh, please come now Henry. (Soft music) (She 
rests her head on Henry's shoulder and sobs) Oh, Henry 
the Sheriff is there waiting with a notice for us to leave 
the house. (Sobs) 

H — Well, I'll go. (Aside) That's the way it goes when 
a man has ill-luck and gets to going down stream, they 
will push him farther into the current. (Aloud) Well, 
come Fan, we'll go and see about it. (Exit both r. i e.) 

D — A great time of night for a decent woman to be out 
in the salmons hunting her husband. 

Dr. B — Yes, for one who is scarcely able to be out of the 
house. 

T — Their house has been sold at Sheriff's sale. 

Dr. B — And do you know why it has been sold ? 

D — Because he couldn't pay for it I suppose. 

Dr. B — Yes. When he bought the place three years 
ago, he had an excellent practice ; but he has been drink- 
ing worse and worse, and his practice got smaller 
and smaller. Clients withdrew their cases which they had 
intrusted to him, and the money that should have been paid 
on his property has gone into your till to pay for an arti- 
cle which you know has ruined him. 



RECLAIMED AT LAST. 



D — Dr. Brooks it is my business to sell liqiior, and it is 
not yours to interfere. I--I- I carry on a legitimate busi- 
ness, sir, and propose to sell to those who wish to buy ; 
and if you don't want to buy I would thank you to stay 
out of my saloon and mind your own business ; I pay for 
a license and shall abide by the law. 

Dr. B — Yes, you pay a license, a license for what ? A 
license to make drunkai'ds ; a license to make wives worse 
than widows, and children more bereaved than orphans. 
You pay a license to make homes desolate and to ruin souls. 

D — (Coming from behind counter with vveight in hand) 
Doc Brooks, I will not be insulted in my own house ; and 
if you don't get right out of here, and stay out, and quit 
meddling with my business. I'll bury this two pound 
weight in your infernal brains. 

Dr. B — Oh, I'm not afraid of your weight, nor of one 
that weighs twice as much. 

D — You aint ! Now I tell you to get right out of here 
with your d — d temperance preachin'. (draws weight as 
if to strike). 

Dr. B — Strike if you dare, you contemptible drunkard- 
maker. (Music. Dick strikes and his arm is caught by 
Thomas and the weight falls to the floor as Thomas hurls 
him back). 

P — (Rushing at Thomas) By dunder and blitzen, you 
yust hold on a leedle bit, all a vile. 

Dr. B — (Catching Pussy and hurling him to the floor) 
Lie there you lubberly beer-bloat. (Curtain falls). 

ACT THIRD— SCENE FIRST. 

Time, evening. Place, Henry Loveworth's desolate home, 
fifteen years after marriage ; scanty table without spread 
set C ; a few old broken dishes, tin cups and a plate of 
hard, dry bread ; Henry seated L of table ; Fanny R ; 
Emma at rear ; a cradle or old crib R-H. 
H — [Rising] I say Fan where is my hat? I must go up 

town. 

F — Oh Henry ! Please don't go to-night ; Freddy is so 

sick. He is much worse ; I fear he cannot live. Please 

stay with me to-night ? 

H — I've got to go Fan ; Fred's all right. I promised to 

see Dick to-nisfht. 



20 RESCUED BY FIREMEN, OR 

F — Please Henry don't go, Freddy will wake soon and 
he will cry for you ; he has been crying and calling for you 
all day. You know you did not come home at noon. 

E — Father please stay with us this one night. 

H — I tell you I've got to go ; [Picks up his hat] I owe 
old Dick a dollar, and if I don't pay him to-night he wont 
trust me any more, and I've got the dollar now. 

F — Oh Henry, please don't spend the last dollar you 
have for liquor when we are almost starving. Freddy 
might get better if we had something that he could eat ; 
but that bit of dry bread is every morsel of food we have 
in the house. The child is starving for the want of food 
we might obtain were it not for liquor. Please don't spend 
the little money you have for liquor. 

H — Well it's already spent Fan ; I owe it to him I tell 
you, and I've got to go. 

F — Henry don't, oh don't go ! think of our sick child. 
[She weeps; Henry starts to door] 

E — [Taking Henry by the hand and holding him sings : 
" Don't go near the bar-room father."] 

H — [Tearing loose from her] Oh don't bother me ; I 
tell yon I've got to go, and that's enough. [Exit r. i e]. 

F — There, Freddy is waking now ; go Emma quick to 
the door and call your father. Tell him Freddy is calling 
him. [Exit Emma r i e and calls] Father ! father ! [Re-en- 
ters] He is gone ; he has turned the corner. 

F — [Taking child from cradle and seating herself C] 
Oh the long years of wretchedness ; [Soft music] the fif- 
teen years of pain and misery ; the sorrows and cares ! how 
long, oh God, how long must it last ? My poor sick child, 
were it not for you I would wish to die ; my poor child ! 
days and nights I have watched with him. No sleep, no 
rest, and no one to share my burden. Freddy dear.'' ah you 
are no better ; ah now 1 see you are no better ; I wish we 
had somethtng we could eat Freddy, but we have nothing 
dear, nothing. [Weeps] Oh, he is worse ! Yes he is worse ! 

E — [Kneeling at Fanny's side conceals face of child] 
Mother do you think he is worse ? will he not live mother 

F — He is much worse Emma. I fear he cannot live till 
morning ; his breath comes quick and short [Weeps] Oh, 
God ! my child is dying in my arms and his father gone ; 
oh my child, my child ! oh that I could end this misery 
willi vou. mv darlinsf bnv. 



KECLAIMED AT LAST. 



E — Oh mother, is he dying ? is he dying [Weeps]. 

F — Yes Emma he is dying. Oh our darhng baby ! Pain 
will soon be unknoAvn to him. Oh God ! 

E — Oh mother ; 

F — [Gesturing Emma to be silent, then listening with 
head bowed] What baby ? What Freddy ? Oh no dear, he 
is not here. Yes you want to see him so bad, but your papa 
is not here [Weeps] Yes Emma is here, here right by your 
side. You want to kiss mamma. [Kisses child] Yes Emma 
will kiss you. [Emma kisses child] And you want to kiss 
papa too ? Yes but he is not here ; No he is not here. 

E—What does he say mother ? 

F — He says he sees pretty angels. [Pauses] Good bye, 
Darling. [They weep long] Oh God, he is dead 1 [Kisses 
him] Yes he is dead, Gone ! Gone ! All gone ! [Candle goes 
out] Oh Emma my child this is more than 1 can bear ! Oh 
my baby ! Fatierrt, loving little fellow, how kind, how gen- 
tle. Emma, how good he has been ! You remember how 
day after day he has called his father ! he will call him no 
more. How he always bounded with joy when he heard 
his father's footstep, though ever so unsteady. Oh the 
patter of his little feet, the sound of his little voice, we will 
hear them no more ! hushed in death, and forever ! Emma 
touch his little cheeks, they are cold. [Kisses child] The 
little lips are cold, all cold ! Oh God pity the drunkard's 
wretched family ! [Rises with child; Emma clutching at her 
dress, they slowly exit both weeping]. 

Tableaux.: Little Freddy's spint in the midst of angels, 
SCENE SECOND— TIME, DAY. 

Place : Street; Enter Mr. Dauling and Uncle Sam R i E; 

Uncle Sam with valise in hand. 

Mr D — [Looking at building] This must be the place. 

F — [Going up to Mr Dauling] Oh sir, can you tell me 
where 1 can find a pawnbroker s shop. [Then recognizing 
Mr Dauling] Father ! my dear father ! 

Mr D— Looking at her a moment] What can this 
mean ? madam you are mistaken. I am a stranger here. 

U S— Spects she tinks dat am her pap. 

F — Oh, I am not mistaken; You are my father. I am 
your child ; Your own erring child., ."Gh, fatbuer, father! 
[Falling upon, and embracing him]J ba;: i^niiHcU .n-v 

U S— Golly ! if I didn't knowed dat missefl" Fanny done 
got burned up, I tink it be lier shuah. 



RESCUED BV FIREMEN, OF 



Mr D-^Can it be possible ? dead for so many sorrowful 
years ; Yet so like her mother ! it must be, or a dream has 
come to torture me with a fresh memory of that horrible 
nijjht of fire and death. Fanny, is it indeed you ? 

F-^Oh father, better a thousand times it were as you 
have thought, that I had died. Henry is all you expected — 
a drunkard— and I a drunkai'd's wife. [Sobs] Oh my heart 
is almost broken ; we are so wretched and starving. Yes- 
terday our dear baby, our darling, bright-eyed boy was 
buried in the potter's-field, and to-day our little daughter is 
begging upon the streets for bread, even as I have been, 
and in our home lies Henry raving in his drunkenness*. 
Father pity and forgive your child, 

Mr D — My child why have you never written to us ? if 
you have been destitute, starving, why did you not write 
to me ? 1 would have come to you. 

F — Oh how often I have thought of you, of my home, of 
mother ! Oh tell me, tell me of mother ; is she living ? 

Mr D—Yes, Fanny, your mother is still living, but feeble; 
and I cannot tell what change may take place when this is 
made known to her. 1 will go with you to your home and 
you must get ready to go back Avith me at once. 

F — No father, I cannot ; I cannot go with you. I must 
stay with him and if possible save him. 

Mr D — Well, we will consider that matter on our way. 
Now take me to where you are living, 

F — Come then, but I can only take you to a place where 
dwells want and misery. [As they exit Uncle vSam lingers 
behind. 

U S-r-Fze gwine along, and if dis chile finds him layiu 
round drunk, I'll kick him wrong side out for sartin. [Ex- 
it Uncle Sam L i E.] 

SCENE THIRD. 

[Same as last home scene except that the cradle is removed; 
an old government blanket placed r h corner, on which 
lies Henry tossing about and raving, occasionally calling 
"Fan, I say Fan, are you here? Fan where is Em ? Fan git 
my botde ; I can't find it. Fan do you hear ?] Enter Fanny, 
Mr. Dauling and Uncle Sam l 2 e. 
Mr D — Heavens ! What a squallid place is this; in what a 

fearful condition do I find von ! 



DECLAIMED AT JLAST. 



H — I say Fan is that you ? [hie] is that Doc you've got 
with you ? [hie] 
F — No Henny, lie still. 
H — Well who have you got there then ? 
F — Lie still Henry ; it is no one to harm you. 

Mr D — Fanny you must get ready to go home with me; 
have you pen and ink ? [Seating himself at table] 
F — Yes father, I will get them for you. [Exit r 2 e] 

U S — [Going up to Henry finds his bottle] I wonder if dis 
whisky have been stamped yet ? [drinks] I guess I'll put a guv'- 
ment stamp all ober the whole tub at once. [Raising his foot 
over Henry] Golly, I kinder hate to smash him ; I'ze 'fraid I 
might bust in de hoops. [Enter Fanny r i e — Mr Dauhng 
takes paper and writes] 

H — Fan [hie] stay with me. 

F — [Going up to Henry] Yes I shall not leave you ; nothing 
shall harm you ; I will stay with you, 

U S — [Aside] Ha ! ha! why ob course she'll stay wid him ; 
who eber heard tell ob a woman dat would' nt stay wid a drunk- 
ard ? Why all ob dem will do dat ob course. 

Mr D — Fanny, my child, come and sign this. 
F — What is it father ? [She takes the paper] 
Mr D — When you have signed it it will be your written 
promise to leave that besotted wreck forever. 

F — [Tears paper into small bits which fall like snow upon 
Henry] Father, such a promise I can never sign. 

Mr D — [Rising puts hat on and starts for door l 2 e] Fanny 
will you go with me or not ? 

F — Father I cannot go while Henry is in this condition ; if 
you will wait until he recovers, then if he and Emma can go I 
will go with you. 

Mr D — You and your child are welcome to my house, but 
that man must never cross my threshold. 

F — Then I cannot go. 

Mr D — Then my staying here is to no purpose ; come Uncle 
Sam. [Starts to l 2 e] 
- F — Father ! father ! 

Mr D — Will you go ? Choose between your father and that 
^\^:eck ; between a home of peace and happiness and one of 
want and miserv. 



KJiSCUKD V,Y hlliUMKS, OK 



F — "Whom God hath joined together let no man put 
asunder." Father I cannot leave hmi; such a thought wrongs 
woman's nature, does injustice to woman's love. Though I 
may perish, till "deatli do us part" I ant Henry Love-' 
worth's wife and will shield him. - ;, '"'"-ii i^ 

Mr D — Then I will leave you. When you have riiade up 
your mind to leave that drunken wretch return to. me ; until 
then farewell. [Exit l 2 e] , ; 

F — [Rushing after him] Oh father! father ! [Uncle Sam goes 
up to Henry, takes bottle, turns it upside down, finds it eiiapty;; 
Kicks Henry and exits l 2 e] ,, ,,rj^, . , , ,, ^ , , , , , jrc 

H — Fan ! Fan ! do not leave med idp ittPS! .lea^ie>nie l.ciSiVQ 
off those howling devils. Keep them' away fropi^erl 

•, :■ ■ ■' 1>HL ■ 
SCENE FOURTH— TIME, EVENING. 

Place : Dick's saloon ; Dick behind counter. Enter Henry, 

reeling drunk, l 2 e. . 

H — Dick give me another drink and then- I'll go home (hie) 
to my fife and wamily, (hie) 

D — Hank, I wish you'd stay away from here. Go off home 
with you aud don't bother me anymore. 

H — Well (hie) give me more brandy, then I'll go. 

D — (Tak^jjg decanter from bar) Well here Hank, where is 
your money ? 

H — Well I'll pay you sometime ; let me have it. (Snatches 
decanter and drinks from it. 

D — Here, now, don't kill yourself. I think you are going' 
into the wholesale liquor trade, or else the Avholesale liquor is 
going into you ; here now. [Take^^^ec^nterJ^ Now go home 
and don't come back to-night. -<-, -.1,,, -J''., ,. i,.,^,- 

H — All right, [hie] I'll go now. [Reels toward trap door.] 

D — Take care now or you'll fall down cellar. 

H— Well, [hie] all right. I'll [hie] look out. [Reels and 
falls upon the floor. Enter Uncle Sam l 2 e]. 

D-— Well, what will you have ? 

U S— Oh nufifin ! Gist fought I'd come in for to see you. 

D — Why, you don't knoAv me, do you ? 

U S — Know you ? Why ob course I do. 

D — Why how did you come to know me ? 

U S— -Why I seed your name on dc sign outside dc door. 



RECLAIMED AT LAST. 



[Sees Henry upon the floor] Whyif dar haint dat drunken 
skunk agin. [Kicks HenryJ. ][ ^.-bniia tt. 

D — Yes he's.lying around here all tlie time. I wish you 
would help me to dump him out into the alley. I dont want 
him here. He haint got any money anyhow. 

US— Well all right, [Both take hold of Henry, Uncle Sam 
looks down trap-door]Let me frowhira downde cellar, [Takes 
Henry by coat and bottom of pants, doubles him up, carries 
{>},; Jiim.to trap door, [Hello down dar: is anybody down dar a 
tastin of de liquors. If dar is, day'd better look out, Cos I'se 
gwine to roll dis tub down dar, and if it hits you on de head, 
it'll smash youshuah, [Drops Henry down the trap doorJNow 

den I guess I'll go back to de -hotel, cos old massa dont 

know whar I is, and we's agwine off on de cars to-night [Exit 
L. 2. E.] [Henry makes a noise down cellar.] 

D — [Picking up hatchet] Be still your noise down there. 

I guess I'll just step down and tap that tub ; as the nigger calls 

,;.!j{him, in the head and quiet him and save funeral expenses, he 

haint got any money, anyhow, and he ought to have been 

^^ deadlohg ago. [exit down trap door] [Re-enter Uncle Sam L. 

• ' 2.E. goes behind bar, takes decanter and (drinks] 

U S^Its wonderfull how somd people will .drink sich pesky 
stuff, [drinks] But its good, its de boss now you gist bet. 

H — [Down trap door] Murder, Oh Heavens, Murder. 

, U S — Wal he haint quite in de bottom pit yet but den he's 
de next doah to it. [drinks] As my old massa Daulin says, 
say's he Uncle Sam I say Sambo drinken whiskey am wos 
dan sucken de juce of dead rattle snake frew a pipe stem. 
But den its mighty good [drinks, takes cigar from box lights 
it and sits upon counter some what dignified, hears Dick com- 
ing up as he slyly Exits L. 2. E. Scene closes before Dick en- 
ters. 

SCENE FIFTH TIME NIGHT^^ __q 

Place : Same house as in Scene Third, [Stage dark] Old table 
C. Shaving basket or box, L. S. of table, with shavings and 
a little gun cotton in, gun cotten on top of shavings. Enter 
Henry staggering drunk L. 2. E. Staggers to table, feels for 
matches and candle, finds matches lights them and throws 
them on the floor. [Blood on his face] 
H— I say [hie] Fan, where's the candle?. [Lights more 

matches and throws them on the floor] Fan fhir] where in 



RESCUED BY FIREMEN, OR 



thunder's the candle? [hie] I guess she haint here. Em [hie] 
Where's the candle? [Lights more matches and throws them 
lighted into the shavings which ignite and blaze up.] They've 
gone oft [hie] so I'll go up town again. [Exit L. 2. E. j 

SCENE SIXTH—TIME EVENING 

Place : Engine house, hose cart, hose and other apparatus 

convenient to place uipon stage. Firemen lounging about 

at will. 

Jim — Well boys its after tin o'clock, begorra we'll have to 
turn in soon or \ve wont get up in the morning. 

Mike — Oh pshaw Jim; Dont drive us off yet, we haint had 
any fun to-night. 

John — No, No dont go yet. Pussy Schneider will be here 
soon and we'll have some fun with him. Since he was elected 
foreman of the Dutch company he's as important as old Bis- 
mark himself. 

J — Sure enough, Pussy haint been here to-night and I guess 
we can wait for him. Its fun to hear him blow about his 
company. I like to see him get excited in time of fire ; ha, ha, 
ha, how he sputters around. 

M — Say Jim, do you remember the time old Grundy's sa- 
loon burned down ? he was bound to save the beer, ha, ha. 
I'll bet he carried two dozen kegs of beer out of the cellar ; 
and at last he brought a great big stone up that they used for 
a weight on the saur-kraut barrel. It weighed about two hund- 
red pounds [All laugh] 

Jno — Here he comes now. 

All — [Promiscuously] How are you Pussy I hello Pussy ! 
Wegates Pussy, etc. 

J — AVhy Pussy, where did you get your new pipe ? 

P — Ah ! mine brudder sent dot from Shermany. 

M — Let me try it Pussy. 

P — You yust go vay now mit you, all a vile. 

Jno — Why Pussy, where is all your company to-night ? 
You'd be in a nice fix, if we had a fire and none of your com- 
pany to go with your engine wouldn't you ? 

P — Ah you yust never mind of dot dutch engine fire steam 
gombanny : Ven ve got a fire den de dutch poys git out yust 
so quick as any-pody vot never you saw, don't it hey ? [Fire 
bells ring. Crv of fire! fire J fire! is heard. The firemen 



UECLAIMKD AT l.AbX. 



hurriedly get off the stage with apparatus and leave Pussy get' 
ting ready excitedly ; he puts on his big trumpet, then his 
fireman hat, then discovers that he has his citizens coat on, 
whtch he tries to remove but cannot for his trumpet, then he 
takes off trumpet, then the coat, puts his fireman's coat on 
backwards, takes it off, puts on trumpet, then coat, discovers 
that his trumpet is under coat, then takes off coat and trumpet, 
puts on trumpet, and in putting on coat knocks off his hat, he 
gets that as the scene rises, back of which is the arrangement 
for the fire of Henry's house; loud quick music; the house on 
lire seen through ragged window curtains. Firemen rush upon 
stage with such apparatus as are convenient to bring upon it]. 

F — [Coming out of door] Oh my child! my child ! Oh save 
my child ! Oh God must I lose all. 

A Fireman — Where is 3-our child? [Some of the men at- 
tempt to get into the house but recoil from the heat]. 

F — [Hurriedly] She is there ! In that burning house, up 
stairs. Oh save her ! [Enter Milon Clifford in firemen's uni- 
form R I E. Papers fall from window]. 

M — 111 get the child, or here's good-bye. [Rushes in at 
door ; another fireman rushes in. Milon is seen to pass the 
upper window. Second fireman leaps out again. Milon is 
seen at upper window with Emma in his arms. Emma is in- 
sensible. [Soft music] 

F — [Who is watching the upper window] Oh my child ! 
[Milon and Emma come to door and both fall out and are 
caught up by firemen. Milon's clothes on fire], 

F — [Kneeling by them] Thank God they are saved ! [Cur- 
tain falls quickly]. 

ACT FOURTH-SCENE FIRST. 

Place : Dick''s saloon L H; Dirk behind counter: Henry leaning againsi cotinfcr 

at end. 

H — Just let me have one glass Dick ? Just one and I'll pay you to-morrow night 

D — Yes you'l! pay me to-morrow night. That's the old story told long ago and 
often since. 

H — Dick honestly, I'll pay you as I say; come, just one drink ? 

D — Oh go off; that's what you always tell mc, and you owe me seven dollars now. 

H — Well try me once more and I'll pay you, I will, I am sure I will. Fan 
washed for Mrs. Brooks to-day and »he'll do up the clothes to-morrow and get the 
money for it, and she'll give it to me 1 know for she always does, then I'll pay yon. 

D — Hank I've lost »11 I am going to on you, and I don't care i f you never come 
any more. I would rather you wouldn't. You disgrace my business and I wish you 
would keep out. Why can't you behave yourself? You have got to be a perfect sot, 
and don't seem to care for yourself. 

H — Well Dick j'oa have been paid well for my being so. I have spent all ray 
rnvney licie and linvc p^id you all but sc\'irii doll^is, wliich I will pay yuu ^omc day; 



:N RKbCUKD JJV FIREMEN, OK 



but just let me have one glass and I will ask you for no more to-day. Dick I know 
you would give it to me if you only knew how I feel; I am burning up and I feel so 
strange. I believe I am going mad. Give me brandy, quick. I must have it I \KnUr 
Mrs Brooks, Mrs Clifford and Mrs Martin Ji i £, vjtth pledge] 

Mrs B — Ah Henry you are here ! we have just seen your wife and iiromised lo 
ask you to sign the pledge. 

H — The pledge ! me sign the pledge ? no I cannot. 

D — Him sign the pledge ? yes, he'd be a good one to sign the pledge. Why he 
couldn't keep it an hour. The first time anybody offered him a drink he'd say he 
never signed at all. 

Mrs C — He could keep it if others would not tempt him. 

D — You-women had better get up a pledge to mind your own business, and al! of 
you sign it. 

Mrs M — Henry won't you sign ? Your wife and child would be overjoyed. 

H^Heavens, I could never keep it i no, no. I cannot! how could I quit drinking 
when every other house is a place where liquors are sold, and the fumes reach me 
even as I pass by? no I cannot, oh heavens, I cannot I 

Mrs B — Henry assert your manhood bravely. Sign the pledge arid ask God to 
assist you. Think of your home, your poor squallid, poverty marked home, your 
pale, weary wife, and your frightened shivering child who trembles at sight of your 
face and at the sound of your voice ; and in the potters-field a little grave under the 
snow in which lies a little baby form forever at rest, undisturbed by the hunger, 
cold and pain, that extinguished its tiny spark of life. 

H — \Throtving arms in air — Soft music] For God's sake stop! your words 
pierce my heart like ten thousand daggers . Oh that I could blot out the awful past, 
that I could be a man again! but 1 cannot, I cannot, no I will not try; it would only 
be to break my pledge; it is too late. I am lost, lost ! 

Mrs C — But you must stand firm Henry. Make an effort; sign the pledge and 
free yourself from this terrible bondage. Ask God to assist you I 

D — Get out of here with your infernal temperance pledge ; he wont sign anyhow. 

H — Yes I wi'l sign if, I will, oh 1 will ! [ Wit/i tremhliiigliand]ic signsthc ph-dgr] 

Mrs B— Thank God ! 

H — There, I have signed it; may God help me to keep it. 

D — Ha, ha. [Goi7ig behind counter f lis glass] Here Hank, old boy, cume and 
drink with me. {Holds glass toward Henry, vj/io makes an effort to get it] 

Mrs B — [Placing o?ie hand before Henry, and rvith the other pointiri^ to Dich\ 
Heartless man I you would tempt him even in his weakest hour, after you have ruin- 
ed him. You have robbed his family of their means of support; you have brought 
sorrow and misery to his door, and you have been the cause of the death of his 
child. You have been 

T)— [Rushing from behindcounter ivilh clenched hands, at Mrs Brooks] Now 
you get out of here or I'll 

H — [Placing himself betvjeen her and Dick] Fiend! This woman h'a.s saved my 
life. Lay a finger on her, touch one sacred hair of her head and I'll brain you, 
^Exit ladies R i JS] 

D— Me the cause of the death of your child ? I'd like to know what I liad to do 
with your child? That's the way the d— d temperance people always talk. Just as 
though I killed your boy. 

H — Yes, you were the cause of the death of my child. You, with your cold, 
murderous heart, you have robbed me of my money, taken it for your accursed 
liquor. You have made the once bright eye of my wife grow dim with want and 
inisery, made the very cheek grow hollow .ind pale, and when you had obtained the 
little wealth I possessed, and your infernal beverage had taken possession of me. you 
threw me into your cellar and attempted to beat my brains out; and had it not been 
for the cry your murderous blows forced from my besotted lips, the passers-by 
would not have hurried to the spot ; and my blood would now stain your guilty hands, 
as the money you have stolen from me and other poor wretches like me, now clings 
to your avaricious life. You have cursed my children, cursed me and mine, and 
made my home dark and desolate. Oh my only boy, my poor baby boy I how he 
used to cling to my neck and prattle so sweetly in his innocent glee 1 even now I feel 
t'ne impression of his baby fingers here yet, spectre fingers they cling here. Yes you 
did it all; you made a wreck of me. But ah [Soft music] what is that? See — there 
ia yon corner— Ah, what a snake; take it away from me'; it is winding its coils firm- 
ly around my limbs; tear it from me; [ }Vith sigh of relief] there. Ah, but there it 
is again I theire, peering over the bar and hideously grinning at rre. Do you not sec 
it? It is clanking its chains and l.iughing—drive it aMay, dri>c it awr.y. Ah. there 



RECLAIMED AT LAbT. ^9 

ha, ha, ha! it is gone, thank God it is gone! Oh that horrid snake. [Pauses, then 
stares at Dick\ Ah, you are here again ! here with your cdd, frightful eyes, and 
darting your fiery tongue; and I am left alone with this hideous devi' ; away from 
me ! away from me ! ah, what strange feeling is this which comes over me now, — this 
pain here, this pain. Oh I am burning up ! the pain, the pain. \FaUs\ 

SCENE SECOND. 

Place: An old attic; Fanny seated C, face buried in her hands; Emma at her 
right, leaning on her shoulder . 

E — Mother you are alwa3'S weeping. Will father come no more? Don't you 
think he will come soon mother? he has been gone so long. 

F — Emma, dear child, I fear he will never come; he has been gone ten days now. 
Oh I fear'he has frozen to death ; and oh what shall we do ? wc cannot stay here 
much longer; we have not a morsel of food, and Emma dear, I know you are so hun- 
gry and 1 cannot help you ! oh God pity the drunkards desolate family. 

E — Yes mother, I am so very hungry, what can we do? Don't you think I could 
get work? I am big enough to work mother, and you are better now; why you are 
most well ; let us go at once. 

F — Yes dear child I am quite well now; we could both work if we could find 
places, but alas I fear we cannot; you are so young and your clothes so bad, I fear 
you could not find a place in the city, 

E — But mother I could go into the country where the people are more common, 
and care less for fine clothes. 

F — Yes perhaps you might find a place in the country, and I probably can get 
work here in the city; yes we must try. 1 will go to the Sisters of Charity, perhaps 
they can find a place for me ; if not, I too will leave the city. 

E — Then let us go mother while it is early. I can get out of the city before 
night. 

F — Yes Emma we will go; in that closet, at the bottom of the old paper-bo.\ is 
my locket ; go get it and bring it to me ; I will write a note meantime to leave for your 
father ; if he comes back soon he will find it [Exit Emma L ■>, E\ Yes I will seek 
something honorable to do, and if I fail I will end this misery. [Writes; enter Emma 
L -i E, and examines locket zvhile Fa?iny writes'] There, I will leave it here on the 
table where he will find it if he comes [Rises'] 

E — Mother how beautiful you were; and how happy you must liave been ! 

F — Yes Emma, 1 was very happy then ; oh so happy ! [ Takes locket and exam- 
ines if] Emma, dear, you must keep this concealed as I have done until you have 
found a place to stay; Keep it hid and do not show it to any one. 

E — [Hides lockef] There mother, I will do as you bid me; Now kiss mo mother 
and wrap me closely for I am cold, then let us go. 

V— [Kisses Emma and wraps an old shawl about her; embracing her] Oh Emma 
dear, [Soft music'] it will kill me to part with you ! You are all that is left me. Oh, 
oh, this will break my heart [Thej slovjly exit R i E, weeping] 

SCENE THIRD-(SAMEAS BEFORE). 

[Enter Henry R\ E, Sober.) 

H— HOAV desolate ! where are they r Fanny ! Fanny dear ! {Looks about at dif- 
ferent entrances) They have gone, yes they have g-onc ! destitute. They have gone 
to keep from starving- {Sees note ttfon the table) A. letter, yes they have left a mes- 
sage for me. {Reading letter) " Dear Henry : I will leave this letter here in hopes 
" you may return and find it ; and if others happen to find it, they will, I trust, leave 
"it here for you ; but oh, Henry, do not think for one moment that wc have gone to 
"be rid of you ! no, God knows we have not ; we go because we are destitute and 
" cannot stay here and starve. We have been very uneasy about J'ou, Henry, and 
" we have inquired for you every day at the saloon ; but Dick has told us each time 
" that he did not know nor care where you were, so you would keep away from his 
"place. Henry I hope you will stay away from his place and all other pla.ces like 
" it. I have been very sick for a number of days since you left, during which time 
"Emma has begged in the streets. We were cold, destitute, starving, and now I 
" am quite well and we will seek work ; Emma will try to find work in the country, 
" while I will go to the Sister's of Charity to see if they can aid me in finding a 
''place. On Henry, God alone know.s what we have suff'ered. The long weary 
' nights and days of watching and waiting ; the hunger, cold and pain ; oh how it 
'■ has grieved me to see Emma, our dear child, suffer for food, and now driven ou* ■" 
" the storm and upon the cold charity of the world, among strangers. I will ca 
"back here one -^'-eek from to-dav; if possiblCi to ?cc whether my k-ttcr bus b 



out in 

come 

ecu 



RESCUED L'.Y FIREMEN, OR 



" taken . Oh Henry that God will aid and strengthen you to free yourself from this 
" awful bondage is tlie constant prayer of your own devoted and suffering- wife, 

"Fanny LovEWORTH." ■ 
H — (Buries his face in /.'is iunids for <i moMent) Poor, long sufferirtg wife 
Yes, God only knows v/hat you have suffered. Deai-, gentle, loving, self-sacrificing-r 
kind, generous, noble, true and and faithful wife. {Rises and vjalks aroiaid the room 
as if notitisthe articles in it) Is this wretched place the iiappy home to which I in- 
vited you the night I induced you to leave your fatlier's house"? Is this the love and 
care I promised you then ? Am I the proud and happy man, who once at the bridal 
,(ltar thought all the world poor and mean, when compared with your worth? I was 
right ; the world is poor and mean, beside Uie priceless love of a true woman and 
lovijii; wife such as yon, my Fanny, haye proved yourself to be; but what am I? how 
have I kept my marriage vow to love and cherish you? wliat has turned our child 
into tbt cold iirfLts to beg for bread ? what has forever hushed the childish laugh- 
ter, and silenced the pattering of the little feet of oar dear baby boy ? what made 
the little mound in the potters-field ? what besotted, wrecked and ruined the hus- 
band and father ? Liquor. Yes, Liquor has filled its mission and wrought its 
work ; but oh dear wife, if I succeed in finding you j'ou shall suffer no more. Our 
child will cry for bread no more ; when I came to myself at the mad-house I longed 
to fly to youT How I longed to acquaint you with my firm resolutions ; yes I will 
never dnnk anv more ! but I must find them, perhaps they are starving even now. 
(Exit R\ E. 'Immediately returns) But hold, this note is not dated; she says she 
will come back in a week to see if it has been found. Lest slic should come and I 
miss her, I v^ill leave a letter here. ( Writes, and again exit R i E). 

SCENE FOURTH-iSAME AS BEFORE). 

[Enter Fanny R i E; table C, upon vjhich letter is lying). 
F — I wonder if he lias been here and found my note ? (Going to table) No, no. 
it is still untouched as I left it; but no, this is not the note I left (Opens it and reads) 
" Brave, noble, true and faithful wife " — why what can this mean r surely this is 
not a letter from Henrv ! I will see if his sig'nature is affixed to it. (Turning letter 
and examining name)' Yes it is from Henry. [Enter Henry R i E, somevjhat bel- 
ter dressed than ill last scene — Fanny rising and staring at him) Can it be possible. 
Yesi Ohllenry, Henry ! (Embracinghim— Soft music). 

H Faithful wife ! tiiie and firm ! jou have stood by me faithfully through 

vcars of degradation and want ; and now if honesty, industry, and sobriety can 
"make you happy in the future, you shall be happy. I have signed the pledge; I shall 
be true to you ;'true to my tam'ily ; true to myself and true to God. 
F_Oh Hejiry, Henr>- ; Is it not all a sweet dream ? 

H No dear ! It is no dream but a reality. Henceforth I am a sober man; from 

this hour I will be to you what I was in years long passed away ; the remembrance 
of which is still dear to me. 

F — Oh Henry we shall be happy again ! the past shall all sink into oblivion or 
be remembered only to add pleasure to the present. 

H— For the past, dear wife, I cannot, dare not a.sk your forgiveness ; but you 
will aid me with your prayers to resist temptation. 

J" Yes, dear Henrj', and you will brave temptation nobly, and stand firm as a 

man, and resist its power if a wife's love and devotion can strengthen you. 

H— Fanny, wife, vou are a brave, noble woman. You have been true lo me. 
have stood by nie in joy and shame, in weal and woe; vv hen fortune smiled, and 
when she fro'wned ; an"d Emuia, the iioble child : Ah where is she : 

F— I received a letter from her yesterday ; she is at her grandfather's. 
H— At her grandfather's ? not at your father's ? 

F— Yes ; she -went there from here ; but sbe did nut know whom they were. 
She begged to stay there, and they took her in. We must write to her to-day; tbey 
will alfbe overjoyed to know you 'have signed the pledge. 

H— Yes, we will write to her; oh how glad she will be to hear from me : J 
should like to see her, but as we are sure that she is well cared for she had bette' 
remain there until we can go to keeping house ; and until I ai'i rc-establishcd m 
business ; I have again opened an office on Grand street, with the as.sistance »' Dr. 
Brooks and other fi-iends, and I r.m doing quite well and expect scon to regain all I 
liave lost in the way of practice. 

F— How long will it be, Henry, before we can get settled again r 
H— 1 trust r-ot long ; perhaps a few months only, during which time we can 
board. And now let us go to my office and write to Emma. I cannot bear to re- 
main hpre in this place where ■^•6u have seen and suffered so much m;seiy. Ccinc. 
{Exit, holh R I E). 



RECLAIMED AT LAST. 31 



ACT FIFTH— SCENE FIRST, 

Place : A neat, pleasant room. Table C. Sofa R S, Chairs R and L. Fanny 
seated R of table. Mrs. Brooks L of table. 

Mrs B — Mrs Loveworth I am pleased to see this happy change. It is strange 
what so sliort a time can bring forth. 

F — Yes it is only two years since Henry signed the pledge, and yet there is a 
great change, 

Mrs B — Ah ! I observed a very interesting notice in our evening paper concern- 
ing vour husband . I will read it. I know it will interest you very much. [She 
reads] " A pleasing scene — Yesterday we stepped into the court room to observe 
■"the progress of an important trial. We foundMr Henry Loveworth upon the floor 
" and listened for more than an hour to one of the most able arguments we have 
" heard for some time. Mr Loveworth seems to have lost but littie of the vigor, 
" depth and brilliancy of mind that distinguished his best efforts at the bar some 
" years ago. Our readers are aware that a great change has taken place in liim ; 
"and that he is now in every respect a reformed man. He will, we predict, yet 
" take a high position at our bar." 

F — It is indeed interesting to me ; and to Henry I knov/ it will be encouraging. 
I wonder if he has noticed it yet ? 

Mrs B — No doubt the doctor has called his attention to it before now; but they 
will be here soon . The doctor said he would come for me as early as possible ; anil 
Henry no doubt will come soon, as the train, I think, has arrived some time since. 

F — Oh how slowly the time drags by. I can hardly wait to see Kmma. Henry 
has been gone to the train but an hour, and it seems like months. It is but a few 
days since Emma wrote us that she would be here on this train, and yet it seems 
like an age. 

U S — [Outside'] Why sa}', dis haint whar you iibed when massa Dauling and 
me was here dat oder time? 

F — [Rising] Oh they are comin|r now ! I hear Uncle Sam's voice, [enter Hen- 
ry, Fmma and Uncle Sam, 1. a e, Emma in long neat clothes. 

E— Oh jnother. 

F — Emma my child ! yTliey embrace] 

K — Oh mother ! how happy you look, and Mrs. Brooks I am glad to see vou 
still a Iriend and guest of ours, [They shake hands and ii'ss] 

Mrs B — Emma, I am glad to see you. 

F— Yes Emma, Mrs Brooks and her husband would be the last to desert us. 
[Enter Dr Brooks I 2 e] 

Dr B — Ah Emma ! how do you do ? Dear ! what a beautiful girl you have got 
to be. [They shake hands] 

E— I am glad to see you doctor ; but you must not flatter nic, 

Dr B — Why 5'ou ought to have remained in the country to have retained the 
bloom on your cheeks ; the boys here will all fall in love with you. 

U S — Oh golly ! talk 'bout fallin' in lub. Why dar's only one young gemman 
what can git within sebenteen mile ob her. 

H — Why, who can that be Uncle Sam . 

U S — Why it am a young gemman what libs here in -—^ by de name ob 

Cliflford, and he was dar a couple ob times for to see her. 

H— Why it is Milon Clifford. 

U S — Mile-on ? Yes dat am de feller, dat am de feller, cos I 'member when he 
tole ole massa Dauling what his name was I 'member I fought he better be about a 
mile-on or a mile-back if he wasn't one of dem totle-abstomers, or — — what do 
you call em, dose fellars what nebber drinks nuffin stronger dan old rye kill-em-all? 
for ole massa done axed him, 'fore he'd been in de house raor'n a mmute, whedder 
he drinks, and when he tole him dat he nebber drinks, den ole massa done axed him 
for to jest stay right in out of de wet, 

F — Ah Emma, I am pleased to learn that you receive the attentions of so noble 
a young man, and one who has placed his life in so much peril to save yours ; he is 
iustly entitlea to your respect and our kindness. 

H — Ye< he is a very estimable young man, brave, noble, and of rigidly temper- 
ate habits. 

DrB — ^Yes he is an excellent young man indeed, and he has just been elected 
chief engineer of our fire department. 

E — Oh dear ! let us talk of something else. Why father, what has made that 
dreadful scar upon your forehead ? 

H— A few nights previous to the one on which I signed the pledge, old Dick 
threw me down his cellar and attempted to kill me. 

U S — [Hurriedly] Yes dats so, cos I was dar and seed him frow you down . 

H— You was there ? well why did you allow him to do so ? 



6- _^ . 

U S — Why, ■\vhv, cos you see, j'ou see, I done left jest when he was frowin' you 
down de cellar, and den when you hollered inurder dis chile fought you done gvvan 
for shuah, sartin. 

H— Why, j'ou ought to have remained Uncle Sam ; he might have killed me. 

U S — Well, well, I-I, now-now, somebody gib ftie a chaw tobaccer. 

H — Oh mother, grandfather and grandmother are coming next week. 

F — Oh are they ? I am so glad ! 

E — Uncle Sam is to remain here until they come. 

U S — Now —now you jest bet Uncle Sam remains till dey comes. I'se gwine to 
see de city. I'se gwinie down to de depot to-morrer to see do rale-rode come in on 
de locomotive, and- 

E— Ha !' Ha! Yon mean yon are going to see the locomotive come in on tlie 
'^J: railroad. " '-'. 

^•^l-- U S— Oh ^vell say now ! wasn't I dar to-night ? say didn't I jest come from dar 
'""* 120VV ? I is agwine jest whar I sed I was. Deri I'se agwine ober dar to see de pork- 
house ; dar whar uat are house is, what's got de gridirons fore de windows. 

F — Oh Uncle Sam you have reference to the court house where the jail is I suppose. 

U S- -Aw ! well I'se gwine to see deni anyhow. 

Dr B — Well, it is growing late. Mrs Brooks I am ready to waitupon you home 
if you are ready to go. 

Mrs B — Yes doctor I am ready ; we must go. You must all call and see us. 

H— Oh Emma,! had not told you yet that I have had the remamsof little Fred- 
dy removed from the potters-field to a beautiful spot in the , cemetery ; and if you 
and your mother will get ready we will gather flowers and ,{*roA^«/y] decorate his 
grave. 

E — Oh, ves mother ! let us go ? 

F — Yes,'dear child we will go, for to-day is the third anniversary of his death, 
and \ve cannot forget our darling. 

Mrs B — Go With us and you can have all the flowers you wish. [£xi'i all, UiuU 
Sam R I E; the rest L a £] - ' , 

Tablemtx — Decoraiion of little Freddy's grave . 

SCENE LAST-TIME, EVENING. 
Place : A Jiarlor ; table C\ covered ivith rich spread and books, a.large Bible among 

them. Sofa L S ; Henry seated R of table ; Fanny L of table ; Emma R of 

Henry. 

H — Ah, Fanny, I told one of the coachmen to bring yourfatherand mother from 
the train. 

F — And they will be here soon ? 

H Yes it is time now, but you must not be so impatient ; and Emma, Milon is 
coming this evening for my decision [A raj' at ike door, all arise, Henry goes to L 
2 E ; Enter Thomas Martin in rags] 

II — Oh Thomas, we are glad to see you even in this condition ; but I hope you 
have been reflecting seriously over the conversation we had to-day at my oftice ? Oh 
Thomas, for heaven's sake resolve now never to touch a drop of intoxicating liquor ! 
Oh save yourself, even as I have been saved. 

F — Oh Thomas, do for the sake of your poor widowed mother [^4 rap at the 
door ; Emma goes to R i E ; Enter Milon Clifford in Chief Eitgineer''s uniform: 
Uncle Sam takes his hat and tries it on wrong side foretnosf] 

H — [Going up to Emma and Milan'] Well Milon, I am ready now to grant your 
request. Here is her hand, [Placing Emma''s hand in Milon''s] she is yours ; you 
Iiave saved her life ; you are entitled to her hand and heart. 

U S — Ha, ha, golly ! come rest in dis boosom ; sweet lemon juices to my affec- 
tions ; ha, ha, ha, oh golly. ■< ■' _ 

F— All you need is resolution Thomas ; will you not try. See thp change since 
Henry is reclaimed. 

T—[ReJlectingly . Picking up the Bible] By this sacred volume do I swear 
that from now henceforth I will never touch nor taste intoxicating liquors. [Enter 
Mr and Mrs Dauling L 2 E; Eanny rushes toxvard them. Soft mnstc—Uld Hundred. 

F — Mother ! mother ! (^Embraces her, as Henry also goes up to them) 

Mr D — My children accept a parents forgiveness. {Taking them by the hand ; 
Thomas Martin vjith Bible in hand ; Henrji receiving forgiveness ; Fanny and 
Mrs Dauling embracing ; Milon placing ringupon .E^nma''s finger ; all stand in 
Tableaux . ' . 

T -B, %, M>* D. 



FRED. J-. n^XLLklP?!, 



BUILDER OF 



imw 




AND MANUFACTURER OF 



&:rcr Depmrtwtemt Smppims^ 

72 i\lAIi>EN LANE, NEW YORK 



AXES, BADGES, BELLS, BELTS, 

Buckets, Buttons, Caps, Certificates, Cord and Tassels, 

Couplings, Extension Ladders, Extingnishers,FIags, 

Fire Scenes, Hook and Ladder Trucks, Hose, 

Hose and Ladder Straps, Hose Carriages, 

Hose Connections, Hose Oilers, Hose, 

Drying Racks, Hose Repairers, 

LADDERS, LANTERNS. NOZZLES, 

Hose Testers, Picks, Pipes, Plumes, Relief- Valves, Re- 
volving-Nozzle, Self-Acting Fire Engines, Shirts, 
Signal Lamps, Suction-Hose, Torches, Trum- 
pets,(Brass and Silver), \Vrenches,and 
every article required by firemen. 



Publisher of ' FIRE RECORD/ a Monthly Journal 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESJ 



.— T H E— ^ 



ijMp^ %immn 



< 017 400 087 6 



, " y^ Is the only paper printed on the Continent that !s 

JLselfflTED EXCLDSIVELY to ttl8 IHTEBESTS of FIREMEN 



It has already proved itself a pronounced sudcess, meeting with 
the hearty siippoit and encouragement of the 

Firemen and Fire Departments in all Sections 

and is highly endorsed by the leading Chief Engineers. Assuming 
that tlie Fira Service is a most honorable calling, and 

Tli8 Manaieieiit and Extinpisliinaiit of Fires a Scleace, 

It will discuss all matters of Interest to Firemen from this stand- 
point in a dignified minnei', having at all times the courage of its 
opinions upon nil topics pertaining to tlie FMre S>jrvice. Having 
no interest whatever, directly or remotely, in any class of tire ap- 
paratus or supplies it wiU strive to present tlie honest chums of all 
manufacturers to a lair recognition of tlieir appliances upon their 
merits. 



(gar (Aaibitioa is to (Extend the §ite Semce as M^ch as SossibU, 

And to see every Department thoroughly equipped with t!»e best 
apparatus t> be obtained. The Journal contains correspondence 
from th« piineipal cities and towns throughout the country, and 
makes a special feature of 

—of thft movements and doings of individual Firemen in every 
section. No etrort will be spared to make the .Touknai, the best 
rneaiis of inter-communicati:;n for Firemen and their friends. 
Special attention will be given to reporting State and National 
Conventions. 

^ouT sabscription and influence in its behalf is respectfally solicited. 



TKRMS OK STJI3SCUIIf»TI01Sr : 

The subscription to the Fireman's Journal is $2,00 per annam. 
Six copies to one address, - _ . . . SIO.<iO 

Twelve copies to one address. - - - - - 18 00 



AddresH, 



NVTIONAl. FiREIIIAN'S JOURNAI., 

16 JDey Street, New York. 



